SAA new routes on hold
SOUTH African Airways has put a freeze on more new routes, having already shelved Zurich. The latest hold applies to Munich and Buenos Aires, according to an SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) newsletter. The fate of the other routes announced on November 30 last year is unknown (Rio de Janeiro, Libreville, Pointe Noire, Bamako). Planned capacity increases to Sao Paulo, Maputo and Entebbe this year are also in the balance.

It looks like the delay in introducing the new routes could be as a result of the shortage in available aircraft. Heard a rumour that Thai Airways was thinking of getting rid of its brand new Airbus A340-500's (4 in service and 1 still to be delivered) and that SAA was interested in buying them. Does anyone have more on this. If true, it may solve SAA's problem to a certain extent.